Established in 2006 and funded by the State of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the prestigious Governor?s Chair program, managed by the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII), attracts science and technology leaders to broaden and enhance the research partnership that exists between the University of Tennessee (UT) System and ORNL, the nation?s largest multiprogram science laboratory, managed by UT- Battelle LLC for the US Department of Energy.  

The Departments of Physics and Astronomy and Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) and ORNL invite applications from distinguished experts in the field of experimental quantum materials and devices for a Governor?s Chair Professor in Quantum Devices with an appointment between UT and ORNL.  The Governor?s Chair in quantum devices would exploit the world-leading nanofabrication and design capabilities between UT and ORNL, and the immense characterization power of the Spallation Neutron Source.? By working collaboratively with the extensive network of quantum materials experimental and theory faculty and scientists at UTK and ORNL, they will perform high-profile research towards the design, engineering, manufacture, and characterization of quantum devices ? physical instruments that exploit quantum mechanical principles as a toolbox for sensing, communication, information processing, storage or other technological applications.  

The successful candidate will have an international reputation and demonstrated excellence in research, program leadership and development as well as teaching.  They will have led teams of researchers, as well as have a desire to engage with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers and students to further the technological readiness level of quantum materials research in Tennessee.  They will be able to integrate with and leverage unique and world-class existing infrastructure, facilities, and partnerships including the Center for Advanced Materials & Manufacturing (CAMM), a NSF funded Materials Research Science and Engineering Center and the Shull Wollan Center (SWC) at UTK as well as the Center for Nanophase Materials Science (CNMS), the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), the Quantum Science Center (QSC) and leadership computing on the ORNL campus.  

The primary employer may be selected as either UTK or ORNL, with a joint appointment at the other institution. Affiliations will be part of the Materials Sciences and Technolgy Division at ORNL and in the UTK Department of Physics & Astronomy in the College of Arts & Science, with a potential for a joint position in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering in UT?s Tickle College of Engineering.  Through a recent cluster hire focused on quantum materials for future technologies, there are now 30 faculty working in this area at UT, representing the largest such group in the southeastern US. 

Candidates for the Governor?s Chair in Quantum Devices will hold a PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering or closely related field and be tenured professors or a senior researcher at a research institution.  They will have established an exemplary record of research as demonstrated through publications in peer-reviewed journals, citation statistics, the number and significance of invited talks, leadership roles and success in both individual and larger extramural grants.  Their research strengths will be in one or more of the following areas: characterization and development of new classes of technologically useful quantum materials, quantum transport studies, device fabrication, operando characterization design, and transduction between different quantum information carriers. They should have a unique vision for leveraging advances in quantum materials research to build new quantum devices, demonstrating the value of this technology in key areas such as energy, manufacturing and information technology. They will be committed to educating the next generation experts in these areas and have a track record of successful mentoring of junior scientists.  

Governor?s Chair Expectations 
Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with faculty and program leadership at UTK and ORNL to further enhance their leadership role in quantum materials research and to execute critically important activities such as staffing, student recruitment, and stakeholder relationship management.  
Academic Quality: Pursue leading research and support ongoing efforts to create an environment of simultaneous excellence in research, innovation, education, and work force development.  
Collaborations: Expand collaborations between UTK, ORNL and other regional, national and international partners. 
Funding: Leverage all relevant assets at UTK and ORNL to lead the management of stakeholder relationships and capture significant extramural funds, building a sustainable portfolio of well-funded activities in quantum devices R&D and education.  
Community Relations: UTK and ORNL are known for excellence in their respective community relations thereby amplifying their impact on the socio-economic ecosystem of the State of Tennessee. The Governor?s Chair is expected to engage with these activities and amplify this impact with specific focus on quantum devices.  
Education: Develop new curricular offerings in the area of quantum devices and provide training for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. 

Institute for Advanced Materials & Manufacturing 

UT is a global leader in materials and manufacturing research and innovation, and the Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (IAMM) is the centralized base for this work.  

IAMM connects the many distributed facilities found throughout UT?s physical footprint where multidisciplinary efforts span bioderived materials for the circular economy to resilient materials for use in harsh environments to the latest advances in quantum materials. 

Through co-location of academic, industry, and government teams, IAMM supports the investigation, synthesis, and characterization of advanced materials and their fabrication into working prototypes and manufactured products. 

Ultimately, IAMM represents what UT Volunteers do best?we are creating a more just, prosperous, and sustainable future through our research, scholarship, and creative activities, and it is our people that are the differentiator. Together, our efforts will make real and sustained impacts to make life and lives better. 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a premier research institution leading the Department of Energy's most diverse science and energy portfolio.  The Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) drives breakthrough research in materials science, chemistry, and physics.  Our scientists work at the intersection of fundamental discovery and applied research, leveraging ORNL's world-class facilities in quantum characterization, materials synthesis, and neutron scattering. The directorate's quantum initiative specifically emphasizes the development of next-generation quantum devices, exploring novel materials systems and quantum transport phenomena while advancing quantum transduction capabilities. This collaborative environment, combined with strong partnerships with leading institutions, provides unique opportunities for shaping the future of quantum technology while mentoring the next generation of quantum scientists. 

The University of Tennessee 

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is Tennessee?s flagship state research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, a premier graduate institution with multiple nationally and internationally ranked programs, and the home of national and international leadership in numerous fields.? The Department respects and values people of all races, genders, creeds, cultures, and sexual orientations, and holds a deep commitment toward developing and promoting an inclusive community. We strongly encourage applications from members of groups that are underrepresented in STEM fields, as well as, candidates who will contribute in meaningful ways to the equity and inclusion goals of the Department.

How To Apply 

Required Application Materials include:  

• Cover Letter: The applicants should describe how they embody the goals of the Governor?s Chair program and their expertise in the area of quantum devices. 

• Curriculum Vitae: including research and any teaching/mentoring experience, a list of publications and grants.  

• Research Statement: The applicant should articulate a plan for transitioning their research program to UTK and ORNL.    

• Teaching & Mentoring Statement: The applicant should discuss prior teaching and/or mentoring experience, and how they can enhance the educational mission of the relevant academic departments at UT.  

For further information or guidance on how to apply, please send an email to quantumdevices@tennessee.edu